Are you looking for a cultural and historical experience in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam? Do you want to witness the stunning fusion of French and Vietnamese influences in one of the most iconic landmarks of the city? Do you want to enjoy the best shows, the most beautiful architecture, and the most comprehensive guide for visiting the Saigon Opera House in 2023?
If yes, then you are in the right place. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Saigon Opera House, from its history, architecture, shows, and visiting tips. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group, you will find something that suits your taste and budget at the Saigon Opera House.
History
The Saigon Opera House, also known as the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, is a magnificent building that was built in 1897 by the French colonial authorities. It was designed by the famous architect Eugene Ferret, who was inspired by the Opera Garnier in Paris. The Opera House was intended to be a cultural and entertainment center for the French elite and the Vietnamese upper class, who enjoyed watching opera, ballet, classical music, and theatre performances.
The Opera House has witnessed many historical events and periods, such as the French colonial era, the Vietnam War, and the modern times. Some of the interesting facts and anecdotes about the history of the Opera House are:
The original name of the Opera House was the Opėra de Saigon, which means the Opera of Saigon. Saigon was the former name of Ho Chi Minh City, which was changed in 1975 after the reunification of Vietnam.
The Opera House was influenced by the Eiffel Tower, which was built in 1889 in Paris. The Opera House has a steel frame that supports the structure and the roof, which was a novel technique at that time. The Opera House also has a similar shape and height as the Eiffel Tower, which is about 60 meters.
The Opera House was bombed by the Viet Minh in 1955, during the First Indochina War. The bomb damaged the façade and the interior of the Opera House, and killed several people. The Opera House was closed for repairs and reopened in 1956.
The Opera House was used as the Lower House of the South Vietnamese government from 1956 to 1975, during the Vietnam War. The Opera House was also the site of the surrender of the South Vietnamese government to the North Vietnamese army on April 30, 1975, which marked the end of the war and the reunification of Vietnam.
The Opera House was renovated and restored in 1995, with the help of the French government. The Opera House regained its original function as a cultural and entertainment center, and hosted many local and international shows and events.
The Saigon Opera House is a symbol of the rich and diverse history and culture of Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam, and a must-see attraction for anyone who visits the city.
Architecture
The Saigon Opera House is a masterpiece of architecture, which combines the French and Vietnamese influences in a harmonious and elegant way. The Opera House has a neo-classical style, with a façade that resembles a temple, a dome that resembles a crown, and a colonnade that resembles a palace. The Opera House has many architectural features and elements that reflect the meaning and symbolism of the building, such as:
The façade: The façade of the Opera House is decorated with statues, reliefs, and ornaments that represent the themes of art, literature, music, and dance. The façade also has the coat of arms of Saigon, which consists of a dragon, a phoenix, and a lotus flower, which symbolize the power, the beauty, and the purity of the city.
The auditorium: The auditorium of the Opera House is a stunning sight, with a capacity of 800 seats, a stage of 12 meters by 18 meters, and a proscenium of 8 meters by 9 meters. The auditorium is adorned with chandeliers, mirrors, paintings, and sculptures that create a luxurious and elegant atmosphere. The auditorium also has a sophisticated acoustic system, which ensures the quality and clarity of the sound.
The chandeliers: The chandeliers of the Opera House are one of the most impressive and eye-catching features of the building. The chandeliers are made of crystal and bronze, and have a total weight of 1.5 tons. The chandeliers have a unique design, which resembles the shape of a lotus flower, which is the national flower of Vietnam.
The statues: The statues of the Opera House are another remarkable and artistic feature of the building. The statues are made of marble and bronze, and depict the figures of famous composers, writers, and artists, such as Mozart, Beethoven, Shakespeare, and Moliere. The statues also represent the genres and styles of the shows that are performed at the Opera House, such as opera, ballet, classical music, and theatre.
The Saigon Opera House is a beautiful and majestic building, which showcases the architectural and artistic excellence of the French and Vietnamese cultures. The Opera House is comparable to other famous buildings in Paris and Vietnam, such as the Opera Garnier, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Hanoi Opera House, and the Reunification Palace. The Opera House is a sight to behold, both from the outside and the inside, and a delight for anyone who appreciates architecture and art.
Shows
The Saigon Opera House is a vibrant and lively place, which hosts a variety of shows and performances that cater to different tastes and preferences. The Opera House offers the best shows, the most beautiful architecture, and the most comprehensive guide for visiting the Saigon Opera House in 2023. Some of the main shows that are performed at the Opera House are:
The A O Show:
The A O Show is a spectacular and unique show that combines the elements of circus, acrobatics, dance, and music. The A O Show tells the story of the rural and urban life of Vietnam, and the contrast and harmony between them. The A O Show features talented and skillful performers, who use bamboo poles, baskets, ropes, and other props to create stunning and dynamic scenes. The A O Show also uses live music, lighting, and sound effects to create a captivating and immersive experience. The A O Show is a must-see show for anyone who wants to witness the culture and spirit of Vietnam in a creative and entertaining way.
The Mist:
The Mist is a beautiful and poetic show that explores the theme of love and loss in the context of the Vietnamese rice culture. The Mist uses contemporary dance, aerial ballet, and visual arts to portray the emotions and feelings of the farmers, who depend on the rice harvest for their livelihood and happiness. The Mist also uses water, mist, and fire to create a stunning and dramatic effect. The Mist is a show that will touch your heart and soul, and make you appreciate the beauty and simplicity of the Vietnamese rice culture.
The Ballet:
The Ballet is a classic and elegant show that showcases the grace and skill of the ballet dancers, who perform various ballet pieces from different eras and countries. The Ballet features the works of famous composers, such as Tchaikovsky, Chopin, and Mozart, and famous choreographers, such as Petipa, Balanchine, and Bournonville. The Ballet also features the costumes, the scenery, and the orchestra that create a romantic and enchanting atmosphere. The Ballet is a show that will impress and delight anyone who loves ballet and classical music.
In addition to these shows, the Opera House also hosts other shows that are unique and exclusive to the Opera House, such as classical music concerts, opera, and Vietnamese traditional dance. These shows are performed by local and international artists, who showcase their talent and passion for their art forms. These shows are also a great way to experience the diversity and richness of the Vietnamese and global cultures, and to enjoy the best shows, the most beautiful architecture, and the most comprehensive guide for visiting the Saigon Opera House in 2023.
Visiting Tips
If you are planning to visit the Saigon Opera House, here are some useful tips and recommendations that will help you make the most of your visit:
Dress code:
The Opera House has a dress code that requires the visitors to dress smartly and respectfully. The dress code prohibits wearing shorts, flip-flops, tank tops, and hats. The dress code also advises the visitors to wear comfortable and light clothes, as the Opera House can get hot and humid during the summer months.
Photography:
The Opera House allows photography outside the building, but not inside the auditorium. The Opera House also prohibits the use of flash, video cameras, and mobile phones during the shows, as they can disturb the performers and the audience. The Opera House also has a souvenir shop, where you can buy postcards, magnets, and other items that feature the Opera House and the shows.
Nearby attractions:
The Opera House is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, and is surrounded by many other attractions that you can visit before or after the shows. Some of the nearby attractions are:
The Notre Dame Cathedral: The Notre Dame Cathedral is a stunning Gothic-style church that was built in 1880 by the French colonial authorities. The Notre Dame Cathedral is famous for its red brick façade, its twin bell towers, and its statue of the Virgin Mary, which is said to have shed tears in 2005.
The Reunification Palace: The Reunification Palace is a historic and symbolic building that was the residence and office of the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The Reunification Palace is famous for its modern and eclectic architecture, its underground bunker, and its tank 843, which crashed through the gate on April 30, 1975, and marked the end of the war and the reunification of Vietnam. - The Ben Thanh Market: The Ben Thanh Market is a bustling and colorful market that sells a variety of goods, such as clothes, souvenirs, food, and handicrafts. The Ben Thanh Market is a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine, and to bargain for the best prices.
Best time to visit:
The Opera House is open from Monday to Saturday, from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, and from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. The shows are usually performed in the evening, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The best time to visit the Opera House is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is pleasant and sunny, and the humidity is low. The worst time to visit the Opera House is during the rainy season, from May to November, when the weather is hot and humid, and the rain can cause floods and traffic jams.
Address, opening hours, ticket prices, and contact details:
The Opera House is located at 7 Lam Son Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The opening hours are from Monday to Saturday, from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, and from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm.
The ticket prices vary depending on the show and the seat, but they range from 500,000 VND to 1,500,000 VND (about 22 USD to 65 USD).
The contact details are +84 28 3829 9976 (phone), info@saigonoperahouse.com.vn (email), and www.saigonoperahouse.com.vn (website).
We hope that this article has given you a comprehensive and informative guide for visiting the Saigon Opera House in 2023. The Saigon Opera House is a cultural and historical gem that you should not miss when you are in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
The Opera House offers the best shows, the most beautiful architecture, and the most comprehensive guide for visiting the Saigon Opera House in 2023.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your show, visit the Opera House, and share your experience with us. Thank you for reading and have a wonderful time at the Saigon Opera House.
